Pretty flower vases to make your buds look their best

This past winter felt longer and drearier than anyone had anticipated. But it's finally over, and signs of spring are popping up everywhere. Why not bring some cut blossoms into your home to chase away the last gray clouds of spring? Fill one of these pretty vases with a fresh bunch of spring harbingers and wave goodbye to the cold weather at last. Here are some of our favorite picks to make your buds look their best. --LARA EWEN. Special to Newsday

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Like a little glass parfait, these Threshold two-tone vases ($14.99 to $19.99, depending on size) add just the right touch of sweetness to your decor. From Target's recently launched Threshold collection for the home, these mouth-blown glass vases bring a high-end aesthetic without the high-end price. They're available in blue or berry at Target. (target.com)

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Reflecting a prism of spring sunlight, the Shanghai vase from Kartell ($210), designed by Mario Bellini, creates a whirl of happy energy that radiates upward into your home. The vases stand an impressive 17 inches high and are made of lightweight, shatter-resistant plastic. Available at Sylvester & Co. at Home, 154 Montauk Hwy., Amagansett, 631-267-9777.

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Husband and wife Ken and Ingrid Hanson are inspired by traditional Italian and Swedish glassblowing techniques to create these one-of-a-kind contemporary handblown glass vases ($495). This colorful 15-inch-high piece is so pretty and unusual, you hardly need flowers. Available at Sedoni Gallery, 304 New York Ave., Huntington, 631-547-4811

The gently flowing edges of the Ruffelle vase by L'Object ($230) are reminiscent of draped fabric, while the nickel-plated brass finish lends a certain toughness. Finally, a vase that speaks to the hard and soft sides of a household. Handcrafted by artisans, this 6-inch high piece is available at Lagoon Linens, 481 Central Ave., Cedarhurst, 516-569-9500.

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Hide the uneven ends of your stems while highlighting the pretty blooms in this medium rope vase from Elle Décor for Kohl's ($49.99). Made from glass and natural rope, the 12.75-inch-high vase combines clean lines and rustic charm, and it's available through June at select Kohl's stores. (Kohls.com)

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Add some rustic charm to your table with these colorful steel Socker vases ($12.99 a pair) from Ikea. The set comes with one wide vase and one skinny vase, and the 10-inch-high pieces are as handy for holding kitchen utensils as they are for keeping flowers from looking too fussy. Available at Ikea. (ikea.com)

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You can practically hear the ocean when you look at these Blue Waves vases from Two's Company ($97 to $196, depending on size). Made from a durable resin, the vase collection comes in three sizes, from 12 inches to 24 inches high, and each is sold separately. Available at Dodds & Eder, 221 South St., Oyster Bay, 516-922-4412; 11 Bridge St., Sag Harbor, 631-725-1175

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Scrawl love notes, draw doodles or just leave reminders to buy eggs with this chalkboard vase ($40), designed by Ricardo Saint-Clair. There's a removable glass tube inside for water and a handy space to store the included chalk. The 8-inch-high vase comes with optional mounting hardware. (module-r.com)

The ultimate summer accessory: The shell can also double as a vase. Fill it with colorful short-stemmed flowers to really pop in the room. ($41, Overstock.com)

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Vermont-based glass blower Matt Seasholtz created this free-flowing form, which almost looks like a motion illusion. Add some flowers and they'll play on that floating theme. $625 at Sedoni Gallery, 304 New York Ave., Huntington, 631-547-4811. (sedonigallery.com)

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Industrial designer Harry Allen created this fun paintbrush vase, which was cast from real brushes and carved from resin and marble. Inside is a glass insert to hold water. A portion of your order will be donated to your choice of a nonprofit organization. ($110, UncommonGoods.com)

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This earthenware vase set was sculpted by hand by Melanie Mckenney in New York. She used an actual artichoke to make the vase and finished it with a non-toxic glaze. A portion of your order will be donated to your choice of a non-profit organization. ($44, UncommonGoods.com)

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The 5-inch-wide opening paired with the 9-inch height makes this a perfect vase, in addition to being a fabulous pitcher when it's not in use for flowers. ($269, Bloomingdale's)